Wire laying machine



Sept. 13, 1955 TQ H. PEARCE wm: LAYING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 3l, 1952 INVENTOR. HZa/ace Y E10/mn Sept. 13, T. H. PEARCE WIRE LAYING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

Sept. 13, 1955 T. H. PEARCE 2,717,485

WIRELAYING MACHINE Filed Dec. 31, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent WIRE LAYING MACHINE Thomas H. Pearce, Niles, Mich., assignor to National- Standard Company, Niles, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application December 31, 1952, Serial No. 328,868

16 Claims. (Cl. 57-58.32)

The present invention relates to improvements in wire laying machines, and to machines of the type in which a plurality of wires are laid together without twisting of the individual wires to form a strand. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements in wire laying machines of the character disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 250,893, filed October 1l, 1951, now Patent No. 2,671,303.

In my said copending application, I have disclosed an improvement in wire laying machines wherein the machine is made up of a plurality of individual wire laying head or rotor units. Due to the unit construction, practically any number of rotors may be employed to build up a machine for forming strand consisting of practically any desired number of wires, or for closing any desired number of strands in a wire rope. By employing common or identical unit drive means, the rotors are driven in synchronism and may be operated at very high speeds, due to the unit construction, to provide an increased rate of production of strand or rope.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved wire laying machine made up of improved indiviclual rotor units of the character defined.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved rotor units and improved drive means therefor whereby the rotors are more readily adapted for convenient asseml bly on and removal from a common machine frame. In particular, it is an object to provide improved rotor units formed and mounted separately of common drive shaft means for a plurality of units, whereby individual rotor units may be replaced when desired without requiring disassembly or the like of the drive shaft means.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of improved wire laying rotor units including cradle means for supporting a pair of wire spools whereby a single rotor unit serves the purpose of two previously proposed rotor units.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a cradle means subassembly capable of being associated with and removed from a rotor as a unit in an extremely convenient manner whereby the assembly and repair of` rotor units may be rapidly and economically effected.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of improved wire laying rotor units including a pair of spool supporting cradles and a wire guiding flyer rotatablysupported by one of the cradles for guiding wire from preceding units in a complete machine around the said one of the cradles of the particular unit and to the rotor thereof, whereby the danger of fouling between the cradles and wires of successive units is eliminated.

In accordance with the foregoing, I provide a wire laying machine comprising a plurality of aligned spaced rotor units, and common drive means for the units, each unit including a frame, a rotor journaled in the frame, a pair of cradles journaled in the rotor, the cradles including spool supporting portions extending to opposite sides of the rotor and a yer journaled on one of the cradles, the flyer and the rotor having aligned wire receiving openings should the wire become jammed or the like.

rounding the rotor.

therein radially outwardly of the cradles whereby the wires from preceding units are guided around the cradles of the particular unit, the rotor presenting a drive surface, the drive means including a power unit and a drive shaft means driven thereby, the drive shaft means being disposed in spaced parallel relation to the rotor units and including a drive member adjacent each unit.

The construction of the rotor units separately of the drive means accommodates the attachment and replacement of the rotor units by the simple expediency of disengaging the drive member and the drive surface of the rotor and securing or loosening a few fasteners, for example, two or four bolts. The provision of two cradles on each rotor reduces the number of units required. For example, six wire strand, which normally requires six rotors, can be formed with three rotors, and seven wire strand, which normally requires seven rotors, can be formed with four rotors, the last or head end rotor in the case of odd wire strands providing a single cradle. Due to the fact that there is no large cage or tube to be rotated in the machine of the present invention, the machine is capable of operation at very high speeds, there being substantially no problems of centrifugal force and power requirement.

As will be appreciated, means must be provided for ICC ` retaining the cradles against movement with respect to' the unit frame during rotation of the rotor.

However, the cradles cannot be connected to the Vframe since the wires must pass therebetween and since the cradles should be capable of movement to prevent wire breaking, Such means may suitably take the form of weights for horizontal installations. However, the machine of the present invention preferably is designed for either vertical or horizontal installation. Accordingly, as has been the practice, magnetic means are preferably provided on each.

cradle and on the rotor frame adjacent each cradle to retain the cradles against rotation. I In connection with such magnetic means, it is an object of the present invention to provide means for counterbalancing the magnet carried by each cradle to prevent unbalance should the wire jam or the like and turn the cradle over, thus to prevent self-destruction of the unit resulting from dynamic unbalance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an im- A further object of the invention is the provision of improved bearing means for supporting the rotor in each rotor unit. As disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention, the rotor supporting bearings have been formed heretofore as continuous circular b'all races sur- In a second embodiment of the present invention, improved bearings are provided concisting of a plurality of, preferably three, small roller bearing units journaled in the frame at spaced points around the periphery of the rotor, whereby the cost of the unit is substantially 'decreased Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, whereinl reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of my improved wire laying machine as built up of a plurality of the improved rotor units of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partial side view, on an enlarged scale, partly in section and partly in elevation, of one embodiment of the improved rotor unit of the tion;

Present inven- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a second embodiment of the improved rotor unit, the View being disposed in end to end relation to Figure 2 to show the threading of wire. from one unit to the next; and

Figure 4k is. an end view ofthe rotor unit shown in. Figure 3 and the drive means therefor.

Referring'v now to theV drawings, and particularly to Figure l, I have shown a preferred embodiment of the wire laying machine of the present invention as built up for the formation ofV seven wire strand, or for the closing of'sevenrstrand rope. As shown, the machine cornprises a frame, indicated generally at 10, uponr which a drive unit',` indicated generally at 12, and aplurality of rotorY units 1 4, are mounted. The main portion of` the. frame 10, comprises. aA pair of channel irons 16 disposed in` spaced parallelrelation and joined together., at their ends. and, if desired,.. at points throughout the length thereof, byrsuitable channel.l bracing members ia The frame 10,'is shown as being disposed horizontally, that is with the frame members I6 having.v the longitudinal axis thereof.. horizontal, but it willv be appreciated that the frame: may be mounted-vertically if desired. For horizontal installation, the frame lincludes a'plurality of legsVV 2i)Y supporting the channel frameA members 16 at spacedpoints. As will beappreciated, the` frame members 16, lrand 2i)l may be formedA of anyv conventional structural steel sections.

The drive unit 12 of thel machine preferably includes an electric motore24 supported beneath the frame members 16- by means of'certain' ofthe legs 20. The motor 24Lhas the shaft` thereof disposed in spaced parallel rela tionto the'longitudinal axis and centrally ofthe frame members I6. The motor shaft projects from both ends of the motor casing or housing, and at each end thereof carires a pulley 26; As is shown in Figures l and' 4, a plurality of' mounting plates 2S are secured to the lower sides of 'and extend between the frame members 16. The plates 28 may be suitably spaced from the frame members 16 by spacer blocks 3.9 Welded or otherwise secured to the ange portions of the channel section frame members 1,6.w Preferably, the mounting plates 2,8 are detachably secured to` the frame. members 16 by suitable fasteners, such as bolts 32. threaded into tapped bores provided in the spacer blocks 3i?. The mounting plates 28 are eachadapted to support a bearing '34.for rotatably supporting suitable drive shaft means. As shown in Figure 4, each bearingiV is, preferably detachablyl secured to its mounting plate 28 by means of bolts 36 or the like. The drive shaft means referred to` preferably comprises a4 pair of shafts38 mounted inthe bearings 34 in spaced aligned relation to the opposite sides of the motor 24. To accommodate passagefofthe; shafts 38, that is, Lof the drive shaft means,fthe, intermediate. cross frame or bracing` members 18 are, preferablycut away atthe b ottomportion thereof,V as isv indicatedy at lilr inV Figure 4.

At therend. thereof adjacent the motor 24,. each of the drive shafts,v 38 carries, a. pulley 42 aligned withone of the.; pulleys 26 onthe shaft of the motor. Each verticallyaligned pair of pgulleys 26andA 42 is-adaptedfor there.- ception. of a exible endless, belt; 44.1, Preferably the,

pulleys 26 and 42 and ,theV pulley beltsAl.- are provided.

with meshing teeth to, provide. a; positive. driving connectionbetween the. motor.` 24sand'the drivel shaft, means. Thepulleysl are formed; of: the same size, as..are the pulleys 42so thatithetwo shafts 38 are. driveninsy-n.-

chronism by the motor 24. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthatcommon drivemeansfare provided anclthat theshafts. 38. comprise4 common drive shaftl means.

The rotor units 14 will be described` ineletail'hereirn after.. However, it isv to be pointed. out that eachfunit includesaframe adapted'to bedetachably securedtothe` top surfaeeof. the frame members-16', a rotor; journaled in the frame, and at least one cradle journaled in the rotor for supporting a spool of wire. The rotor of each unit has an exposed portion and at such portion is provided with a drive surface preferably comprising a toothed pulley surface. A plurality of drive members or pulleys 46 are mounted on the shafts 38 in properly spaced relation so as each to be aligned with the pulley surface of one of the rotors. The pulleys: 46, like the pulleys 26 and 42, are suitably toothed, as is the pulley surface ou each rotor, so as to have meshed engagement with a toothed, flexible, endless pulley belt 48v reaved over each pulley 46. and the pulley surfacerof the. rotor of the adjacent or respective rotor unit. While a toothed pulley drive is preferred, it will be appreciated thatother known drive means may be employed. Accordingly, the pulley surface on the rotor is referred to as adrive surface and the pulley 46 is referred to as a drive member. The pulleys 46 are all of the same size and the pulley surfaces of the rotors are all of the same size, so that the rotors will. be driven in synchronism from the common drive shaft means. Since the rotor units are all mounted in the same manner, it will be appreciated that the same are disposed in aligned spaced relation onA a common axis, which axis extends in spaced parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the frame members 16 and centrally of said members. Accordingly, the drive shaft means isdisposed in spacedparallel relation to the common axis of the rotor units.

As will be described hereinafter, Wire from the spool carried bythe cradle means of each rotor unit is threaded through succeeding rotor unitsV and to a stranding head 50. in general, the stranding head 50 may be regarded as thehead end of the machine and the rotor unit adjacent thereto may be referred to as the head end rotor unit, the rotor unit at the opposite end of the frame being referred to as the tail end unit, and the units between the head and tail. end units being referred to as intermediate units. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure, l, seven wire strandistobe formed. In this case, four rotor units are provided, a head endI unit R-l, aVtail end unit R- -4, and two intermediateunits R-Z and R-S". The tail end unit R-i andthe intermediate unitsR-Z and R-3 each present or provide two spoolsl of wire, the wires of which are threaded through the right hand or head end rotor unit R.1 in a` circular path. rlhe head end unit presents single spool, the. wire from which is threaded axially through the unit Ra-l, the Aunit R-lserving to guide and lead the seven Wires to the stranding ,head.

Thevstranding head is conventionalfor the formation of strand in a customary manner. Also, the strand take-up and winding mechanism is of conventional design. Briefly, the strand take-up and windingmechanism includes abull drum or wheel 52 around Vwhich several turns of the;strandyfrom the `head Si). is taken, a guide pulley 54 over which the strand is reaved, a strand drum'or spool 56anda level-Winddevice 5S for the spool S6. One advantage of the machine ofy the present invention is that the drums S2 andvand the levelwind device 58 are driven fromV the motor 2l=soV that a common and synchronized'drive is providedifor the machine. Specifically, the righthand orhead end drivey shaft is provided at the freev endithereoflwith a toothedipulley 6G aligned with aL toothed pulley 62*` mounted on a shaft 64' journaledy in the. frame ligthe-shaft64vbeing driven by a toothed belt 66 reaved over the` pulleys iiand 62. The shaft 64,- adjacentthe bull drum, carries a bevel gear pinion 68 adaptedto meshselectively with one. of a pair of bevelV gears which are.k mounted onashaftz'll. The gears 70- are suitably splined to, or. otherwise secured on the shaft 71' for.. conjoint. rotationwiththe shaft and for sliding movement withfrespecttothe. shaft. The bevel gears. areV adapted to Lbe selectively. meshed with the. pinion 68toeffect-.rotation ofthe.-v shaft 7i in opposite directions. The. shaft-712 hasdriving connection with the bull drum 52,v suitably. byy means; ofz'a pulleyA belt (not` shown), andfis. adapted todrive. the drumn; opposite.v directions to .effecty a left lay or right lay. A belt 72 is reaved over suitable pulleys provided on the drums 52 and 56 to drive the strand drum or reel 56 from the bull drum 52. The level-wind device 58 may be driven in a suitable manner, such as by a pulley belt 73, from the reel 56. While the drive mechanism described is preferred, it will be appreciated that other drive means known to the art may be employed. l

Having thus described the assembly and operation of the complete machine, reference is now made to Figures 2 to 4 for a description of the individual rotor units. As pointed out hereinbefore, the present application discloses two embodiments of the improved rotor unit of the present invention, one embodiment being shown in Figure 2 and the other in Figures 3 and 4. Due to the similarity of construction between the two embodiments, the embodiment of Figure 2 will be described in conjunction with reference numerals in the one hundred series and the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 will be described in conjunction with reference numerals in the two hundred series, common tens and digits numerals in both embodiments referring to like or similar parts.

Referring to Figure 2, I have shown a rotor unit comprising a frame 11d including a base portion and a body portion formed integrally with the base and defining a bore. The body portion of the frame 110 is provided with an axial counterbore adapted for the reception of a pair of bearings 124. The bearings 124 are shown as comprising ball bearings having circular races continuous with the body portion of the frame. tion proceeds, however, it will be appreciated that other bearing means may be provided. The bearings 124 are retained in the counterbore in the frame 110 by means of the outer race of the inner bearing abutting against a, shoulder or step 12S provided at the end of the counterbore and the outer race of the outer bearing abutting against a circular end plate or ring 126 which is secured to the body portion of the frame by means of a'plurality of bolts or studs 127. The bearings 124 are adapted to support a generally tubular rotor 130 for rotation coaxially of the axis of the bore and counterbore provided in the body portion of the frame 110. The rotor 130 at one end thereof is provided with a reduced cylindrical outer surface portion engaging the inner races of the bearings 124. The rotor 130 is maintained in aligned'position with respect to the frame 110 and the bearings 124 by means of a shoulder 132 on the rotor engaging the inner race of the inner bearing and by means of a `C ring 133, suitably positioned within a circumferential groove in the reduced end portion of the rotor 130, engaging the outer surface of the inner race of the outer bearing 124. The enlarged portion of the rotor 130 projects freely to one side of the body portion of the frame 110 and immediately outwardly of the frame is provided with an extemal peripheral drive or pulley portion or surface 134, which surface is provided with gear teeth, in the same manner as the drive members or pulleys 46, adapted for positive engagement with the teeth on one of the pulley belts 4S.

The rotor 130 is provided adjacent the periphery thereof with a plurality of longitudinal bores 135 disposed in a circular path about the aXis of the rotor and defining wire threading holes or openings. Any number of wire threading holes 135 may be provided as desired, or as required for the formation of a particular strand or rope. The machine shown in Figure l is particularly adapted for the formation of seven wire strand, which requires that the rotor of each rotor unit be adapted for the passage of six wires. Accordingly, each rotor unit is provided with six wire threading openings disposed at equal spacing in a circular path in the rotor. The disposition of the wire threading holes is described in greater detail hereinafter with respect to a second embodiment of the rotor unit shown in part in Figure 4, in which figure the wire `threading openings of the second embodiment are indi- As the descripcated at 235. Referring again to Figure 2, the rotor includes an outer tubular portion, in which the wire threading openings are formed, an inner tubular portion 136` and an integral radial flange 137 connecting the two tubular portions. The inner tubular portion 136 of the rotor 130 is adapted in the interior thereof for the rotatable support of cradle means. As shown in Figure l, the right hand or head end rotor unit R-1 is provided with a single cradle means, but the remainder of the rotor units are each provided with two cradle means. Accordingly, the embodiments of the rotor unit have been 'shown in Figures 2 to 4 as including two cradle means.

The cradle means 138 and 139 are substantially identical in construction and each fit partially within the interior of the rotor 130, the two cradle means being spaced apart within the inner tubular portion 136 of the rotor by means of a spacer ring 140. Since the cradle means 138 and 139 are substantially identical, reference is made to the right hand cradle unit 139, since the same is shown in its entirety, for a description of the cradle means. As shown, the cradle means 139 includes a tubular carrier 141 fitted within the bore or interior of the tubular portion 136 of the rotor 130. The carrier 141 includes an outwardly extending radial flange abutting against the end surface of the inner tubular portion of the rotor and detachably secured thereto by means of one or more studs or bolts or the like 142 passing through the flange and threaded into thek inner tubular portion of the rotor. The carrier 141 is adapted for the reception therein of a pair of ball bearings 143 that are spaced from one another by means of a spacer ring 144 disposed between the inner races of the bearings. To retain the bearings 143 within the carrier 141, the Vcarrier is provided with an inwardly extending radial flange at one end thereof against which the outer race of one bearing abuts. Adjacent the free or inner end thereof, the carrier 141 is provided with a circumferential groove adapted for the reception of a C ring 145 adapted to abut against the outer race of the inner bearing 143 to retain both bearings in the tubular portion of the carrier. The bearings 143 are adapted for the reception and rotatable support of a tubular body portion of a cradle 146. lThe cradle, or wire` guide and-spool support, includes an outwardly extending radial flange 147 disposed outwardly of the rotor and immediately adjacent the end face of the rotor, which ange defines a step or shoulder 148 adapted to abut against the inner race of the outer bearing 143. Due to the abutting engagement between the shoulder 148 and the outer bearing 143, the flange 147 of the cradle is maintained in spaced relation with respect to the end face of the rotor 130 so that the cradle is freely rotatable with respect to the rotor. The cradle is retained in assembled relation with respect to the bearinges 143 by means of a C ring 149 fitting within a circumferential groove provided in the tubular portion of the cradle, the ring 149 abutting against the inner race ofthe inner bearing 143. Due to the provision of the shoulders abutting the races of the outer bearing 143 and the provision 'of the C rings 145 and 149 abutting the races of the inner bearing 143, it will be appreciated that the cradle and bearings are maintained in assembled relation with.

the carrier 141. Thus, if thel studs 142 be removed, the cradle means 139 may be removed` as a unit from the rotor 130. Accordingly, the present invention provides a cradle means subassembly for rotor units of the character dened. At the juncture between the body portion and the flange 147 of the cradle 146, the cradle is provided Z with a. conical counterboreV ltl'forl a-purpose-tobe de scribed hereinafter.

f To the.` exterior of the flange 147, the cradleis provided with integrally formed, spaced', parallel longitudinally extending armsl 151' adapted for the reception; andsupport of a crossshaft oraxle 152, upon which a wire spool i153. may be rotatalzalyl mounted. The shaft isgadaptedtoy be removed laterally: ofthe spool supportingV arrns`151 so that spools-.of wire. may. be. mounted on: aridi removed from the cradle meansv in a. convenienti manner` wheny desired.

In use and operation of the rotorunits, thevframe 119 of the unit ismaintainedstationary` andjthef rotor 130 isV rotated withinVV the frame. During-rotation of the rotor 13llrit isznecessary. to maintainthecradlemeans` stationary with respecty to the frameseth-at' theA rotor 130 is rotated independently of the framev and cradle whereby the wires-carriedv by the rotor arez not twisted: While numerous methods of accomplishing-thisend' are known I prefer to utilize cooperatingrmagnetic means secured tothe cradle and to thefrotorframe for maintaining the cradle in a stationaryA position. Preferably, a permanent magnet 155 is-securedto the wire-guide and spool support or cradle 146, preferably byboltsor studs 156-extending through the magnetlstand'threadedl into the'ange 147of the cradle. Thepermanent magnet 155 on the cradle means is disposed? iii-juxtaposed relation to a second permanent magnet 157 suitably secured to the frame of the rotor unit, as by` means of bolts or studs 158 passing throughthe magnetV and threaded into the frame. As is shown in-Figure 2, spacer means 159are providedv between the magnet 157V of' the cradle means 139 and the frame 1110so -as properly tospace the magnet 157 with respect to= the extendingend portionof the rotor 130. Since the-.rotor doesnot eX- tend beyond the frame at thev other endA of the-unit, such spacer means are required only. atrthe one sidel ofL the unit. As is shown in Figure 4,.thepermanent-mag nets (see 255 and 257) are so shaped/as tof-define therebetween an arcuate gap-or slot alignedwith the circular path of the wire threading holes` (see` 23S). in thei rotorV unit, which slotor gap constitutes the fluxlpath ofthe two magnets. Due to the attractionY between-thes-rnagnets, the cradle meansor wire guide and'spoolsupport will be maintained stationaryl whilev the rotorv is-v rotated within the frame lltl-and aboutvthecradle: While the magnets 155 and 157 will normally retain: the cradle means in a stationary position, the situation sometimes occurs wherein the wires becomefouled andimpart'r'otation to the cradle means` withrespectj to. the frame. Due to the provision of the magnet 151?y onthe cradle means, such rotation of the cradle meansWonld-normally result in extreme dynamic unbalance tending toward self'- l destruction of the machine, as has heretofore been theA case. To prevent the occurrence of dynamic lunbalarree, l provide a counterweight 160, of the same size, shape and weight as the permanent magnet- 155, secured to the flange 147 ofthe cradle suitably byN bolts 161, to counterbalance the mass of the permanent magnetr'155 should thev cradle means be rotated at any timeV during operation of the rotor unit.

As has been pointed out hereinbeforthe-,cradle means- 138 and 139 are substantially identical. Accordingly, the foregoing description is` equally applicable. tothe cradle means 138. The cradle means 138 and 139 are each secured to and supported with respect to the. rotor by means of their respective carriers 141 whichA are each secured to the rotor by the stud orstuds 142. Accordingly, should'either cradle means become worn or damagedduring, use of the rotor unit, it is a simple expedient to remove the damaged cradle meansjas a unitand-'substitute a new'cradle unit or subassernbly` therefor. As' will be appreciated, this substantially speeds up over* hauling of arotor unit and', further, speeds upf marmi I facture and assembly of'complete rotor units-,. since each;

cradle: means can be made as an independent assembly. Toprovide for ready access to the` studs 142 for assembly andremoval ofi the cradle means, the flange 147 of the cradle and-the counterweight 160 are provided .with aligned apertures through which access may be had to the studs 142.

As will be. pointed out in greater detail hereinafter, the wire from the cradle means to the rearward or tail end side of the rotor unit is threaded through the rotor unit and thewire from the cradle means at the forward side of the unit is merely threaded forwardly into the next unit without passing through the rotor of the' unit of which the same forms a part. Referring to Figure 2, the Wire,` indicated at W1, from the left hand or rearward cradle unit 13S-is adapted to be threaded through the rotor 130, whereas the wire, indicated at W2, from the forward cradle meansis threaded directly to the next succeeding rotor unit in the machine assembly. To prevent the wire W1 from the rearward or left hand cradle unit from imparting undue wear to the rotor unit, the left hand or rearward cradle means 138 includes a cradle 146 provided in the interior of the tubular body portion thereof with a wire guide member 162. The wire guide 162 is in the form of a hardened hollow cylindrical plughaving'a cross sectional internal configuration corresponding` substantially to that of a venturi for freely and substantially frictionlesslyk guiding a wire therethrough. The conical counterbore 150 in the cradle of the means 138 to the tail end side of the rotor unit provides an entry portion to the wire guide 162, so that the wire W1 does not wear directly upon the cradle 146 and so that the cradle does not interfere with movement of the. wire. As will. be appreciated, the wire from the spool of the-rearward. cradle unit 138 is threaded through the interior of the rearward cradle means 138 and through the wire guide162, and must then be threaded outwardly to one of -the wire threading openings in the rotor 130. For this purpose, the rotor 130 is provided with a diagonal bore 163 leading from the forward end of one` ofthe wire threading holes 135 diagonally inward, at an inclination generally aligned with the forward tapered internal surface of the wire guideV 162, and extending through the spacer ring into the space between the cradle units 138 and 139. At the forward end of the diagonal bore 163 and the wire threading opening 135 with which the bore communicates, the rotor 130 is provided with a wire guide head 164, in the form of a hardened tubular insertY that is curved so as to lead the wire W1 from the diagonal bore 163 into axial alignment with the longitudinal bore or wire threading opening 135 Vwith which the diagonal bore 163 communicates.

As has been pointed out hereinbefore, the individual,

rotor units 14 are adapted to be detachably secured to the frame members 16. To this end, the base of the frame 11.0 of the rotor unit shown in Figure 2 is provided with laterally extending portions adapted to rest on the top ofthe upper flanges of the frame members 176, and at such portions is provided with bores adapted for the reception of bolts 165 extending through the` base portionof thek frame and through the upper flange of the frame members 16, so as to detachably secure the rotor unit 14 tothe frame. As will be appreciated, the bolts 165V may readily be removed to accommodate replacement .of individual rotorunitswhen required.

in construction ofthe rotor unit, the cradle means are journaled inthe rotor for rotation. about the axis of rotation of the. rotor, that. is, coaxially of the rotor. The wire threading openings 135; are formed in the rotor radially outwardly of the cradle means and the. spools carried thereby so that wires from precedingunits ina machine are, guided outwardly ofthe cradles, and, wire from. thev spool. to the tail end side off the rotor unit is guided around the cradle to the head endy side/ofthe. unit. The wire guide 162., and the wire guide head 16,4 of; eachnrortor` prevent unduewear of, the.- unit resulting,

9 from threading the wire from the cradle means to the tail end side of the unit through the unit. The wires passing through a particular unit from preceding units do not create serious probelms of wear since the same move smoothly through the unit in a longitudinal direction. However, hardened inserts may be provided in each wire threading opening if desired. The use and operation of the rotor unit will be described in detail hereinafter, following a description of the embodiment of the rotor unit shown in Figures 3 and 4.

As will be appreciated, the large circular race ball bearings 124, provided in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 for rotatably supporting the rotor 139, are an extremely expensive item in the manufacture of the rotor units. It is with respect to the reduction of cost of manufacture that the embodiment of the rotor unit shown in Figures 3 and 4 is of particular importance, since the same omits the large ball bearings 124 and substitutes therefor an extremely economical bearing assembly. In other particulars, the two embodiments of the invention are substantially identical.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the second embodiment of the rotor unit of the present invention comprises a frame 210 having a base portion and a body portion formed integrally with the base and defining a bore for the reception of a generally tubular rotor 230, as will presently appear. The frame 210 is provided at spaced points around the periphery thereof, preferably at three points, with peripherally open radial recesses communicating with the bore through the frame. The radial recesses in the frame define bifurcated portions 211 between which bearings, indicated generally at 212, are mounted for rotatably supporting the rotor 230.

The bearings 212 each comprise a shaft 213 including an eccentric portion 214 disposed between the bifurcated portions 211 of the frame 210, upon which eccentric portion a pair of bearings 215 are mounted. The bearings 215 are conventional ball bearings of small size and the same are spaced apart on the eccentric portion of the shaft 213 by means of a central spacer ring 216. To space the bearings 215 from the walls of the bifurcations 211 of the frame 21B, spacers 217 are provided between the inner race of each of the bearings and the adjacent wall of the frame. The bearings 215 are adapted to receive and rotatably support a tubular roller 218 disposed between the bifurcations 211 of the'frame and extending partially into the bore through the frame, At one end thereof the shaft 213 is provided with a cylindrical head 219 fitting and journaled within a bore provided in one of the bifurcations 211 of the frame 210.

The cylindrical head 219 of the shaft 213 is provided with an Allen wrench socket 220 in the end thereof so that the same may be rotated within the bifurcation 211. As will be appreciated, rotation of the cylindrical head 219 will result in movement of the eccentric portion 214 of the shaft 213 toward and away from the bore in the frame 219. Accordingly, the eccentric portion 214 of the shaft 213 provides means for moving the roller 218 with respect to the bore through the frame so as to accommodate adjustment thereof with respect to the rotor 231) received within the frame. The shaft 213 of each bearing unit 212 is suitably secured within the bifurcated portion of the frame 210 by means of a nut 221 threaded to an extending end portion of the shaft.`

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the bearing assemblies 212 are of a small size and extremely economical construction, particularly as compared with the bearings 124 provided in the embodiment of the rotor unit previously described. As is clearly shown in Figure 4, the bearings 212 are preferably three in number and are disposed at equally spaced points about the periphery of the body portion of the frame 210, so as to provide adequate means for rotatably supporting the rotor 230 of the rotor unit.

The rotor 238 of the unit is provided with a generally 10 cylindrical end portion adapted to be received within the' bore through the frame 210 and at the portion thereof aligned with the bearings 212 is provided with a circumferential groove within which the rollers 218 of the bearings 212 are received. By proper adjustment of the eccentric portion 214 of the shaft 213 yof each bearing assembly 212, the rotor 230 will be journaled within the frame 210 for rotation about the axis of the bore through the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the roller bearings 218 present a generally V-shaped external surface and the circumferential groove in the rotor 230 is of a complementary shape so that the bearings serve automatically to align the rotor in the frame, both axially and longitudinally, to retain the rotor and frame in properly assembled relation and to retain the rotor against end play. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the use of the bearing assemblies 212 not only reduces the cost of the bearings, but leads to a more economical and practical unit assembly and reduces the cost of manufacturing and assembling the rotor units. Also, should a bearing become worn or damaged, it is much easier and more economical to replace one or more of the bearings 212, as individual subassemblies, than to replace the bearings 124, since the complete rotor unit need not be disassembled to accommodate the replacement.

As in the embodiment of the invention previously described, the rotor unit 230 is provided, immediately to the exterior of the frame 210, with a drive or pulley surface 234 adapted for the reception of a pulley belt 48. Preferably, the pulley surface 234 is toothed so as to provide the positive drive connection referred to hereinbefore. The rotor 230 is also provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending wire threading holes or openings 235 in the outer tubular portion thereof and includes an inner tubular portion 236 connected to the outer tubular portion by means of a radial ange 237. The rotor 230 is adapted to support a pair of cradle means 238 and 239 extending to the `opposite sides thereof. The two cradle means are spaced apart within the interior of the rotor by means of a spacer ring 240 which also serves to protect and enclose the bearings 243 of the cradle means.

The two cradles means 238 and 239 ofthe present embodiment of the invention are substantially identical to the cradle means 138 and y139 of the previouslydescribed embodiment of the invention. In particular, the

cradle means 238 and 239 each comprise individually removable subassemblies including a carrier 241 adapted to be secured to the rotor by studs 242 and providing a support for a pair of bearings 243 which are spaced apart by means of a spacer ring 244. The bearings`243` are secured within the interior of the carrier 241 by means of a C ringk 245 engaging the outer race of the inner bearing. The cradle proper 246 includes a tubular body' portion received within and rotatably supported by the bearings 243, and a flange 247 extending radially outwardly adjacent the end face of the rotor 230. The flange 247 of the cradle includes a shoulder portion 248 abutting against the inner race of the outer bearing 243 and the cradle is secured in position with respect to the carrier 241 and the bearings 243 by means of a C ring 249 fitting within a circumferential groove in the body portion of the cradle and engagingV the inner race of the inner bearing 243. The flange 247 of the cradle is provided with a conical counterbore 250 communicating with the interior of the tubular body portion of the cradle'so as to accommodate the ready passage of wire from the rearward spool of the assembly to the wire guide 262.

To the exterior of the rotor 230, each cradle means is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending spaced parallel arms 251 adapted for the support of a laterally extending axle 252 upon which a spool of wire 253 is adapted to be rotatably mounted. To prevent movement of the cradle means with respect to the frame of the rotor unit, a permanent magnet 255 is mounted on the cradle by arma-,4ss-

11 meansof-boltsor. the like 256 and the magnet 255 is adapted for cooperation` with a permanent magnet 257 secured-.to the frame 210- of the machine by means of suitablefboltsorv the like 258. To properly locate the permanent, magnet 257 to the forward or head end side of they rotor unit, suitable` spacers 25,9 may be provided betweentthe magnetl 257 and the frame. To counterbalance. the; mass of the permanent magnet 255 mounted on thecradlemeans, each` cradle means includes a counter- `weight 260-suitably; secured to the ilange 247 of the cradle by means ofbolts-261.l

For guiding wire from the rearward cradle unit through the rotor, the rearward-or left hand cradle means is provided within.. the bore; of the tubular body portion of thee cradle 246with a-wire guide 262. of the nature described hereinbefore. To accommodate threading of the wire froml the-.guide 2.6210 one of the wire threading holes 235.of.the rotor23ll-,the rotor. is provided with a diagonal bore 263fextending; from one ofthe wire threading holes 235-into the space between the two. cradle means and in generall alignment witlrthe forward inclined surface of the` guide 262. Aswill be appreciated, the wire threadingopening,communicatingwithlthe diagonal bore 263 is provided with-a-wire guide head of the same character as indicated at 164i. in. the embodiment of the invention shown, in Figure. 2,

To detachably sect-1re.l the rotor unit toV the frame of the machine,v the base portion of the frame 216. ofthe unit is provided with portions having tapped bores therein for the receptionv oftstuds 265 passed'through the upper ilanges of the frame member 16 and threaded into the tapped bores; As` will be appreciated from Figure 3,y the rotor unitv is adapted. to be detachably securedto the frame members 16; of the. frame 16. by means of two studs, which substantially speeds upthe assembly and replacement of rotor units'ina-complete machine.

As is shown-in Figure vl, each of the intermediate rotor units R-Z'and R3V and theV right hand or head end unit R-y are each provided with a flyer, indicated generally at 300, to guideA the wires'I from preceding units. ln Figure 3; arsuitable; mounting for the flyers 305) is shown. The arms 251 of the rearwardly disposed cradle 238 of the respective. rotoriunit are extendedbeyond the spool 253carried thereby and, at their endsl are` connected by a cross bar 3.0.1. The crossbarlll is provided with a bore aligned with theaxis of rotation ofthe rotor 231i? -ofl the respectiveunit, which; bore is adaptedV for the reception; of a shaftt3l2. A slinger or the; likel 393 ismounted on theishaft 3.021 adiacenti the barfitllland a pair of bearings 304tmay be press fitted on. the shaft outwardly or rearwardly ofthe slinger, the bearings being mounted in spaced relation by means of ak spacer ringgtll disposedY betweemthe inner races of the two bearings. The flyer 36% includes a tubular body or. hub ili-rnonnted,onv the outer racesof thev bearings 304, whereby the flyer is journaled onithetshaft 302and a pair of conical iianges 307 extending, outwardlyy from'the huband terminating in radially extending-.,llanges 30SA in which wireithreading openings. 39are formed.. The;openingst3ll9 inthe flyerare ofthesame. number. as theY lwire threading: openings 235 provided inthe rotor-23.0:and'are disposed in a circular path' thesame; as the, openings inthe rotor and at the same spacing. The openings 3091 in the; llanges of the llyenareadapted'for the reception and passage of wires romfprecedi'ngrotor units in a, complete; machine so that the wirresare guided andsupported between rotor units andareprevented fromafouling with the cradle means of the varionsiunits. The predominant purpose.V of the4 flyerslll; however, isto guide,v thelwire from the spool to the, forward, or, head end side of one unit, around the spooleto the rearwardor tail` end side of the next succeeding unit, and to. the. proper wire. threading openingV in the-.rotor of the next succeeding unit. To this end, the hub 306 of` the il'yerviszprovided, with an integral guide member ltladapted for the reception of wire from the lll.

Gil

. ing` hole. and adapted for the passage of a wire.

immediately preceding spool and the4 inner flange 307 of theflyer is provided at the outer end thereof with a guide head 311 aligned with one of the wire threading openings 309 so as to guide the wire received by the guide member 316 from the immediately preceding unit into alignment with one of the wire threading openings in the next succeeding unit, that is, the unit with which the flyer is associated, and around the rearward cradle means 238 of the respective unit.

As will be appreciated, the llycrs 300 must be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the rotor units 14. To this end, one or more stays 312.are provided between the adjacent rotor 230 and the radial portion 30S of the inner ilange 307 to join the flyer and the rotor for conjoint rotation. The stays 312 are disposed in the circular pathr of the holes 369 and 235 and are of a size to pass through the gap between the magnets 255,

and 257. If desired, the stays 312may. be in the form of small diameter tubes each aligned with a wire thread- The flyers 300 are relatively light in weight and are freely joumaled on the extending portions of the respective cradle means, so that the stays 312 need not be of a large'. size to effect rotation of the flyer with the rotor,

in the machine shown in Figure l, the rotor units 14 may all comprise units formed according to the embodiment ofthe invention shown in Figure 2, or may be made up-of unitsformed according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may be made up of units of both types or embodiments. As will beV appreciated, the tail end unit R-4 does not require av flyer 300 and the head end unit R-i only requires a Single cradle means` Either embodiment of the rotor unit of the present invention may be modified by the removal of one cradle unit to form the head end unit of the machine and either may include a llyer- 300. As is further shown in Figure l, the rotor unit R-l at the head end of the machine is preferably mounted backwardly on the frame so that the extending end portion of the rotor thereof, on which the pulley surface, is formed, is disposed to the rearward side of the frame rather than to the forward side thereof as has been described hereinbefore and as is: shown with respect to the three left hand units R-2, Rw3 and R-4..

invention, the units are adapted to be readily 'attachedV to and detached from the machine frame. The pulley surface on the rotor of each unit is formed on a free end portion ofthe rotor so that a pulley belt 48 may b e very easily trained over the surface, or removed therefrom. Accordingly, it is a simple matter to assemble and replace the units in a machine. the units; are journaled in frames and are adapted to support, one orV two cradle means for rotation about thel axis of rotation of the rotor. The wire threading openings are formed radially outwardly of the cradle means so that the danger of fouling is drastically reduced, if not eliminated. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides highly practical and improved means for forming strand or rope. Other advantages attained by the invention will become apparent from a description of the operation and` use of the units in a complete machine,

To form seven wire strand, for example, four rotor unitsy are mounted on the frame members 16 in the; manner shown in Figure` l and the rotor of each unit is pro: vided with six equally spaced wire threading holes or openings 13S, 235 as has been describedY hereinbefore. The rotor units are mounted on the frame 10 in spaced The rotors of times aligned relation and the wire threading holes of the rotors and flyers are aligned longitudinally of the frame, with the wire guide heads 164 of the rotors and the wire guide heads 311 of the flyers all offset with respect to one another. Then, the threading of the wire through the various units to form seven wire strand is as follows: Assume, for example, that the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 is the left hand or tail end unit R-4 of the machine shown in Figure 1. In this case, the wire from the spool carried by the cradle means 13S to the tail end side of the unit is threaded from the spool through the wire guide 162, through the diagonal bore 163 and through the guide head 164. From this point, the wire, indicated at W1, is threaded forwardly through the aligned opening 309 in the flyer 360 of the next succeeding unit R-3 and thence through the aligned one of the wire threading holes 235 of the rotor of the unit R-3 and thus onwardly in a straight line through the aligned wire threading openings of the succeeding flyers and rotor units in the assembly. In instances wherein tubular stays 312 are provided, the wire may be threaded through the stay as has been shown with respect to the wire W1 in Figure 3. As the wire W1 passes through the rotor of the head end unit R-l, the same is guided inwardly to the stranding head 50 in a conventional manner so that as the rotors of the individual units are rotated in synchronism, the wire W1 is laid together with the other wires in a strand.

As has been pointed out hereinbefore, Figures 2 and 3 have been disposed in end to end relation to show the manner in which the wires are threaded through the various rotor units of the machine. Accordingly, since the rotor unit of Figure 2 has been assumed to be the tail end unit R-4 of the machine shown in Figure 1, it will be assumed that the rotor unit of Figure 3 is the next succeeding unit, unit R-3, in a complete machine.

The second wire for the strand, indicated at W2, is taken from the spool153-supported by the forward cradle unit of the tail end unit R-4. This wire, W2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is taken from the spool 153 and passed through the wire guide 310 on the hub of the ilyer 300 of the next succeeding unit R-3, outwardly to the wire guide 311 carried by the inner ange of the yer, then forwardly through the aligned one of the wire threading openings 235 in the unit R-3 and thus onwardly through the aligned openings of the ilyers and rotors of the succeeding units to the stranding head 50 in the same manner as the wire W1. As shown in the drawings, the wires W1 and W2 are preferably threaded through diametrically opposed wire threading openings in the rotors and ilyers of the various rotor units. Thus, referring to Figure 4, the wires W1 and W2 may suitably be passed through the wire threading holes or openings Wl and W2 indicated in Figure 4.

The third wire of the strand s taken from the cradle means to the tail end side of the next succeeding, or second from the left, rotor unit R-3, the wire, indicated at W3, being threaded through the wire guide 262, the diagonal bore 263 and to the wire guide head of the respective unit. As will be appreciated, the wire guide head of the second unit R-3 is angularly offset with respect to the wire guide head 164 of the tail end unit R-4. For example, the wire guide head of the second unit may be disposed in the W3 position indicated in Figure 4, whereas the wire guide head 164 of the tail end unit is disposed in the W1 position. The wire W3 is then threaded forwardly through the yer of the third unit R-2, through the rotor of the unit R-2, through the flyer of the fourth or head end unit R-l, through the rotor of the unit R-1 and thus to the stranding head 50 in the same manner as the wires W1 and W2 are threaded.

The fourth wire, indicated at W-4, for the strand is taken from the forward cradle means of the rotor unit R-3 and is threaded through the flyer 300 of the unit R-2 in much the same manner as the wire W2 is threaded with ure 4 in this respect.

The fth wire, W5, for the strand is taken from the rearward spool or cradle means of the unit R42 and is threaded through the rotor of the unit in the same manner as the wires W1 and W3 are threaded, with respect to the units R4 and R3, respectively with the exception that the wire guide head of the unit R-Z is angularly offset with respect to the wire guide heads of the other units, for example, in the W5 position as shown in Figure 4.

The sixth wire, W6, is taken from the forward spool of the unit R-Z and is threaded through the ilyer of the fourth or head end unit R-l in the same manner as the wire W2 is threaded through the yer 300 of the unit R-3, with the exception that the wire W6 is angularly offset with respect to the other wires and is disposed diametrically opposite the wire W5. In considering the machine and rotor units as shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the wires W3 and W6 lie in the same horizontal plane and that the wires W4 and W5 lie in the same horizontal plane. Accordingly, in viewing `Figure 1, as the wires pass into the rotor of the fourth or head end unit R-l, the wires W4 and W5 appear asa single wire, as do the wires W3 and W6.

The seventh wire, W7, for the strand is taken directly from the single cradle of the head end unit R1 and is passed axially through the unit and to the stranding head or die 50. The seven wires W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6 and W7 are received by the stranding head in a conventional manner. Upon energization of the motor 24, the

rotors of the four units, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are rotated,

in synchronism to lay the seven wires upon one another. Due to the fact that the various cradles are maintained stationary with respect to the frame, the wires are not twisted as they are laid upon one another and thus perfect strand is formed.

The strand formed at the stranding head 50 is-pulled through the machine by the bull drum 52 and is wound upon the strand spool or drum 56. As will be appreciated from the foregoing, it is the action of the bull drum 52 pulling the strand through the head 50` that effectsmovement of the various wire's off of their individual spools and through the yers and rotor units in the manner described.

The machine shown in Figure 1 is also adapted for the formation of wire rope, particularly of seven strand wire rope. In closing strand into rope, the stranding head or die 50 is removed and a closing die is substituted therefor, and spools of strand are substituted for the spools of wire, the remainder of they machine being the same as described and the threading of the various strands being the same as the threading of the wires as described hereinbefore.

The machine of the present invention and the rotor units thereof are adapted for the formation of strand of any desired number of wires, or the closing of rope of any desired number of strands. For example, to form three wire strand, only the two right hand units would be required, with the wires from the three spools being threaded through the various units in the manner as has been described with respect to wires W5, W6 and W7. As an alternative, three wire strand may be formed by the use of the two units and wherein the wire from the three spools are threaded through three equally spaced wire threading holes in the rotor units, for example, the wire threading holes W1, W5 and W4, as the same are indicated in Figure 4. Four wire strand may be made by the use of two units, such as the two left hand units R4 and R3 in Figure l wherein the wire from the forward end spool is led directly into the stranding dierand wherein the other three wires are brought through the rotor of theI head end unit throughthreeequally spaced wire,` threading holes, such as the holes W1, W5 and W4 asthesameare,indicated in Figure 4. Also, fourwire strand may-be formedY bythe use of three units, such as the three right hand units R1, R2 and R3 in Figure l, wherein the tailendor, left hand unit of the three is providedwith a single spool of wire. If desired, four wire strand canV beformed` by the use of rotor units each having` rotor providedwith wire threadingholes in some multiple of four whereby the` fourl wires could each be threaded througha wire threading hole in the rotor, as will be appreciated. The manner of forming five wire, strand from the three rightY hand units R1, R2 and R3 shown in Figure, l willbe obvious Likewise, toform six wire strand, itis merely necessary to eliminate the head end rotor unit R1 showny in Figure 1.

To forma strand having wires in excess of seven, it is merely necessary LQ add the required rotor units to the left or tail end-of the machine, in which case the frame members 16 are extended longitudinally and the additional rotor unitsV are detachably secured to the frame members. The number of rotor units and the number of wirethreadingholes required in the rotor of each unit to form4 strand of any desired number of wires, or to form` ropek of any desired number of strands, will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. To form strandcomprising an odd number of wires, the right hand or head end rotor unit preferably is formed as shown at Ri' in Figure l. The left hand or tail end unit is preferably formed as is the unit R--lV shown-in Figure l and the intermediate units are formed in the same manner as shown for the two intermediate units R2 and R3' iii-Figure l. To form even numbered strand, the single cradle head end unit R1 shown in Figure l' may be either utilized or omitted, as desired. In many instances, it will be possible to utilize one additional spool of' wire atv the tail end of the machine. In such instances, a support' fora spool of-wireV may be clamped totheframe 10, since there would be no necessity foremploying a rotor unit to support such additional tail end`V spool. In any machine assembly, it is preferred that the head endunit R1 and theintermediate units R2; R3, etc. include the ilyers 300;

In assembling-a machinefor. forming strand in excess ofseven, the additional rotor units areV preferably driven from the common power source 24w in the same mannerr asthe rotor units shown in Figure l are driven. To this end, additional drive shaft lengths may be coupledto the tail end'. drive shaft 38. to provide means for the. additionalunitson the machine frame.

In use and. operation of thek rotor units andthe wire laying machine of the present invention, the rotors of the individual units, may be rotated at very high speeds due to thefact thatthe; same are of small size-and sturdy construction, and,` for the reason that the same do not: present alarge cage or` tube subject tocentrifugal; force during rotation. Likewise, the smallness of the units facilitates theready driving of the same so that themachine is not, limited' in size by excessive power requirements. Furthermore, the free passage of the wires bef tween thefirotorY units accommodates the convenient placementof means responsive to breaking of a wirevfor stopping'operation of the machine should -a wire break, occur.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved wire laying machine and improvedindividual rotor units therefore. The machine is capable of expansion or contraction in an extremely convenient and expeditious manner and the individual rotorunits are adapted for ready attachment to` vand detachment from the machine. Likewise, the individual rotor units are of economical manufacture and assembly and the cradle subassemblies, like the bearing subassemblies 2112, are adapted for ready attachment to and detachment from the individual rotor units t0 facilitate manufacture and repair of the units.

Whie lhayedescribed what I regard t0 be preferred embodimentsofjmy invention, it will'be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements andmodifications may be made therein withouthdeparting from the scope of the invention,V as defined by the appended claims.

l claim;Y

l. A rotor. u nit for wire laying machines, comprising aframe havinga borel thereima generally tubular rotor journaledfin the'bore in gsaidjframe, a .pair of cradle means journaled .in said'rotor and includingportions projecting to opposite sides oi 'said rotor andsaid frame, and means for restraining,'movementofeach of' said cradle means with respect to saidframe,

2. A rotor unitfor wire laying machines, comprising a frame having a bore therein, a generally tubular rotor hav-ingone endportion, iourVn-aled in the bore in said frame, said rotor having a freeend portion extending to one side of saidIame, saidjrotor presenting a drive surface on the said free end portion thereof, a pair of cradle means journaled in said'rotor Vand including portions projecting to fopposite sides of'saidv-rotor and'said frame, and means for restrainingmovement ofeach of said cradle means with Irespect to said frame.

3; Agrotor unit forwire laying machines, comprising f a frame, a rotor journaledpin said frame, and'at least one cradle means subassembly mounted on said rotor, said cradle means subassembly including a carrier detachably connected to said rotor, a cradle journaled'in and mounted solely on said'carrierand.; means mounted on said cradle for restraining movement ofj'said cradle with respect to said frame.y

4. A rotor unit` for wire laying machines, comprising a framev having a bore thereinLa generally tubular rotor journaled in the bore in said frame,- at least one cradle means subassembly mounted on saidr rotor, said cradle means subassernbly including a carrier having a tubular portion fitted in and detachably connectedto said rotor, a cradle including a tubular portion journaled in and mounted solelyl on said carrier and magnetic means mounted on said' cradle, and magnetic means mounted on'said'frame adjacent Vthe magnetid means on said cradle for restrainingmovemeneof' said cradle with respect to saidA frame. Y

5. A rotor unit' for wire laying machines, comprising a frame, a, rQtor-journaled-insaid-frame, at least one cradle means snbas'sembly mountedonsaid rotor, said cradle means subassernhly including a carrier having a portion itted in,andidetachablyAv connected to said rotor, a cradle including a portion journaled in and mounted solely on said carrier, 4a magnet mounted on said cradle and aweightmountedon said cradle diametrically opposite said magnet-for ycounterbalancing said magnet, and a magnet mountedon said'frame adjacent the magnet on said cradle for restrainingmovement. of said cradle with respect to. Saidlfraniez 6l A rotor unit for Wire layinamachines, Comprising a frame hayingla bore therein, said frame having a plurality of. radial openings, therein communicating with saidborel a4 bearing ournaled on said. frame in each of Said,v openings, each. of; said.-l barirlgs including, perf tiens/extending' ist@L Said bore', and. a; roter having a cylinderical portion-received within. said. bore and jour,- naledon said bearings.

7; A roton unit fon wire laying. machines, comprising a frame having-a-boretherein, said frame having a pluralityl of radial openings thereinv communicating with said-bore, a roller .bearing journaled` on said frame in each of 'saidl openings, each of saidl bearings including portions extending,l into said-bore,V and a rotor having a cylindrical portion receivedwithin Said. bore and'journaledpon saidbearingvs, saidrcylindrical. portion of said rotor having aA cireurrrferentiall groove therein for the reception; of saidl bear-ings, said groove and the surface of'said bearings being complementary, whereby said bear- 17 ings retain said rotor in assembled relation with said frame. Y y

8. A rotor unit for wire laying machines, comprising a frame havinga bore therein, said frame having a plurality of radial openings therein communicatingl with said bore, a bearing subassembly mounted on said frame in each of said openings and each including portions extending into said bore, and a rotor having a cylindrical portion received within said bore and journaled on said bearing assemblies, each of said bearing assemblies including an eccentric shaft supported on said frame in the respective radial opening and a roller bearing journaled on said shaft, said shaft being rotatable in said frame to move said roller bearing toward and away from said rotor, said rotor having a generally V-shaped circumferential groove in said cylindrical portion thereof adapted for the reception of said roller bearings, said roller bearings having a generally V-shaped surface complementary to said groove, whereby said bearings align said rotor longitudinally and axially with said frame and retain said rotor` in assembled relation with said frame.

9. A rotorunit for wire laying machines, comprising a frame having a bore therein, a generally tubular rotor journaled in said bore, a pair of cradles journaled in said rotor and extending to opposite sides thereof, means for restraining movement of each of said cradles with re speci to said frame, said rotor having a plurality of wire threading openings therein disposed in a circular path" radially outwardly of saidy cradles, and a llyer journaled onv one of said cradles at the free end thereof f or rotation coaxially with the axis of rotation of said rotor,

said flyer having the same number of wire threading openings therein as are provided in said rotor disposed in a circular path coextensive with the circular path of the openings in said rotor.

l0. A rotor unit for wirelaying machines, comprising a frame having a oore therein, a generally tubular rotor journaled in said bore, a pair of cradles journaled in said rotor and extending to opposite sides thereof, magnetic means on each of said cradles, magnetic means on said frame adjacent the magnetic means on each of said cradles, said magnetic means restraining movement of said cradles with respect to said frame, said rotor having a plurality of Wire threading openings therein disposed in a circular path radially outwardly of said cradles, the adjacent pairs of said magnetic means defining an arcuate gap therebetween aligned with the circular path of said openings.

1l. A rotor unit for wire laying machines, comprising a frame, a rotor having one end portion journaled in said frame, said rotor having a free end portion extending to one side of said frame, said rotor presenting a drive surface on the said free end portion thereof, a pair of cradle means subassemblies mounted on said rotor, each of said cradle means subassemblies including a carrier detachably connected to said rotor, a cradle journaled in and mounted on said carrier and means mounted on said cradle for restraining movement of said cradle with respect to said frame, said cradles each including portions extending to the opposite sides of said rotor and said frame, the extending portions of each of said cradles being adapted to support a spool of wire adjacent said rotor, and a yer journaled on the extending portions of one of said cradles at the free end thereof.

l2. A rotor unit for wire laying machines, comprising a frame having a bore therein, a generally tubular rotor having one end portion journaled in the bore in said frame, said rotor having a free end portion extending to one side of said frame, said rotor including a drive surface on the said free end portion thereof, a pair of cradle means subassemblies mounted on said rotor, said cradle means subassemblies each including a carrier having a tubular portion fitted in and detachably connected to said rotor, a cradle including a tubular portion journaled in and mounted on said carrier, a

magnet mounted on said cradle and a weight mounted on said cradle diametrically opposite said'magnetsfor counterbalancing said magnet, a pair of magnets `mounted on said frame, each of said magnets on said frame being disposed adjacent one of the magnets on said cradles, said cradles including portions extending exteriorly of said rotor and said frame to opposite sides thereof, said extending portions of said cradles being adapted to support. a spool of wire adjacent said rotor for rotation about an axis extendingtransversely of the' axis Aof rotation of said rotor, and a` flyer journaled on one of said cradles at the free end thereof coaxially'l with the axis `of rotation of said rotor, said rotor and said flyer each having a plurality of wire threading open-v ing therein disposed inuacircular'path radially outwardly' of said cradles and the spools of. wire carried thereby,j

each pair of magnets on said vframe and said cradles defining an arcuate gap therebetween aligned with the circular path of disposition of the wire threading openings in said rotor. t j

.13. A rotor` unit for wire laying machines, comprising a frame having a bore therein, said frame having al l plurality of radial openings therein communicating with said bore, a roller bearing journaled on said frame in each of said'openings, each of said bearings includingr portions extending into said bore, a generally tubular rotor having one end portion received within said bore in said frame, said portion of said rotor .having a V-shaped circumferential groove therein, s aid roller bearingshaving a V-shaped surface complementary with the circumferential groove in said rotor, said bearings journaling said` rotor in 'said frame and retaining said rotor in assembledl relation with said frame, said rotor having a free end` portion extending to one side of said frame and'including a4 drive surface on Vthe said yfree end portion thereof,

a pair of cradle means subassemblies mounted on saidv rotor, said cradlefmeans subassemblies eachincludinga carrier having a tubular portion fitted in and detachablyconnected to'said rotor, a cradle including a tubular por? tion journaled in and mounted solely on said carrier and magnetic means mounted on said cradle, magnetic means mounted on said frame adjacent each of the magnetic means mounted on said cradles, said cradles including portions extending exteriorly of said rotor and said frame to opposite sides of said rotor and said frame, said extending portions of said cradles each being adapted to support a spool of wire adjacent said rotor for rotation of and about an axis extending transversely of the axis of rotation of said rotor, the extending portions of one of said cradles extending away from said rotor beyond the spool of wire supported thereby, and a flyer journaled on the said portions of said one cradle extending beyond the spool of wire supported by said one cradle, said rotor andsaid flyer being journaled on a common axis and having Wire threading openings therein disposed in a circular path outwardly of said cradles and the spools of wire adapted to be carried thereby, the adjacent'pairs of magnetic means on said cradles and on said frame each defining an arcuate gap therebetween aligned with the circular path of the wire threading openings in said rotor.

14. In a wire laying machine, the combination of frame means and a plurality of individual rotor units adapted to be detachably secured to said frame means in aligned spaced relation, each of said units comprising a frame adapted to be detachably secured to said frame means, said frame having a bore therein, a rotor journaled in the bore in said frame, a pair of cradle means journaled in said rotor and extending to opposite sides of said rotor and said frame and means for restraining movement of each of said cradle means with respect to ysaid frame, said rotor having wire threading openings therein disposed in a circular path outwardly of said cradle means, the wire threading openings in the rotors of said units being aligned longitudinally of said frame means, common drive shaft means disposed in spaced parallel relation to said units, "and means connecting each of said rotors and said drive shaft means whereby said rotors are rotated in synchronism. y

15. In' a wire laying machine, the combination of frame means and a plurality of individual rotor units adapted to be detachably secured to said frame means in aligned spaced relation: said units including a head end unit and a tail end unit; said head end unit comprising a frame, a rotor journaled in said frame, at least one cradle journaled in said rotor and extending to the tail'end side'thereof, means for restraining movement of said cradle with respect to said frame, said cradle being adapted for the reception of a spool of wire exteriorly of'said rotor, and a flyer journaled on saidcradle to the tail end side thereof rearwardly of the spool of wire, said rotor and said flyer being 'journaled' on a common axis and having wire threading openings therein disposed in a` circular path outwardly of said cradle and the spool of wire adapted to be carried thereby; said tail end unit comprising a frame, a rotor journaled in said frame, a pairof cradles' journaledy in said rotor and extending to opposite sides thereof, and means for restraining movement` of said cradles with`respect to said frame, said rotor having wire threading openings therein disposed in a circular path co-extensive with the circular path' of the wirethreading openings in thev iiyer and the rotor of said head end unit; the wire threading openings of the rotors of said units and said yer being aligned longitidinallyV of said frame means; and means for rotating said' rotors; Y in synchronism.

I16. In la wire laying machine, Vthe combination of frame means and a plurality ofY individual rotor units adapted to be detachably secured to said frame means in alignd'spaced'relation: said units including a head end unit, a tail' end unit and at least one intermediate unit; saidy head'end' unit comprising a frame, a rotor journaled in saidfrarn'e,`at least one cradle journaled in said rotor andextending'to the tail end side thereof, means for restraining movement' of saidl cradle with respect to said frame,`said` cradle 'being adapted for the reception of a Cir spool of Wire exteriorly of said rotor, and a yer journaled onsaid .cradle to the'tail end. side -of the spool? ofwire;A said rotor and said flyer being journaled on a commonk axis and having wire threading openings 'therein 1disposed in a circular path outwardly of said -cradleand the-spool;

of: Wire adapted lto be carried-thereby; said tail end unit comprising a Vframe, a` rotor journaledin said frame, at, least one cradle -Vjournaled in said` rotor and extendingA to one side thereof, and means forrestraining movement otv said cradle with respect to said frame, said cradle v being adapted forV thereception of a spool of wire ex. teriorly of said rotor, said rotor having wire threading, openings therein disposed in a circular path cov-extensive` with the circular path of the wire threading openings inv the yer and the rotor of said head end unit; saidI intermediate unit comprising a frame, a rotor journaled in said frame, a pair of cradles journaled in said rotor and extending to opposite sides thereof,vmeans forrestrainingV movement of each of said cradles with respect to said frame, said cradles each being adapted for the reception of a spool of wire exteriorly of said rotor and said frame, and a tlyer journaled. on the cradle kextending to the tail end side of said rotor to the tail end side of the spool of wire adapted to be carried thereby, said rotor and,

said frame means; and means for rotating said rotors insynchronism.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNTTED STATES PATENTS 477,784 Sisum June 28, 1892 '2,567,347 Pierce Sept. 11, 1951 2,671,303 Pearce Mar. 9, 1954 

